Pocket size data capture unit with processor and shell modules

ABSTRACT

A hand-held processing system wherein a peripheral module may receive therein a computer processor basic module of standardized construction, with a user-immune real-time multi-tasking operating system. Advantageously the peripheral module or computer processor module may include a touch screen or other highly versatile and compact data input/output device adaptable to graphical and/or other input/output modes suitable for different applications, languages and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 07/451,322 (attorney docket number 5769Y), filed Dec. 15, 1989, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,227,614, issued Jul. 13, 1993, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 143,921 (attorney docketnumber 5769X), filed Jan. 14, 1988, now abandoned, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 06/897,547 (attorney docketnumber 5769) filed Aug. 15, 1986, now abandoned.

The present application is also a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 947,036 (attorney docket number 35740XYA), filed Sept. 16,1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,966, issued May 3, 1994, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 875,791 (attorney docket number35740XY), filed Apr. 27, 1992, now abandoned, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/422,052 (attorney docketnumber 35740X), filed Oct. 16, 1989, now abandoned, which is a divisionof application Ser. No. 06/894,689 (attorney docket number 5740), filedAug. 8, 1986, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,949, issued Oct. 31, 1989.

Each of U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,614 (attorney docket number 5769Y) issuedJul. 13, 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,949 (attorney docket number 5740)issued Oct. 31, 1989, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,699 (attorney docketnumber 6240) issued May 28, 1991, is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety including drawings and appendices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to shirt pocket size computer processor systemmeans, and particularly to a plural module computer processor systemcapable of incorporating various data entry peripheral devices and ofcoupling with various data storage and data transmission devices whileyet being suitable to be carried on the person of an individual userthroughout a working day.

A long-standing problem in the hand-held computer field has been toprovide a compact and efficient system for data capture while yetachieving low production cost. It is conceived that a breakthrough canbe realized by an optimum plural module system configuration.

In another aspect, the invention relates to novel terminal means forassociation with information cards and is particularly concerned withsuch terminal means for use by an individual user in communication withanother computer system. There are many circumstances for example wherean individual may desire to carry out transactions with a centralcomputer processing station. In one example, a racing establishment suchas a horse racing organization may desire to enable individual membershaving accounts with the organization to place bets from variouslocations such as home or office. In such a circumstance, it would behighly advantageous if the individual could communicate directly with acentral computer system placing with the system all the informationconcerning a bet, and receive from the computer system essentiallyinstantaneous information as to whether such a bet has been accepted.Another example relates to food service functions where orders may betransmitted to a central order processing center, and where credit ordebit card purchases may be approved and/or related data stored at thecentral processor. Still another example is in the field of direct storedelivery of merchandise. A pocket size terminal may contain thenecessary information concerning the items being delivered and may becoupled with the store computer system to effect a paperless deliverytransaction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aplural module system configuration that is adaptable to a wide range ofdata capture applications while retaining shirt pocket size andutilizing a core computer processor module of standard size andcharacteristics so as to achieve the economy of large scale production.

In a preferred embodiment, the standardized computer processor module isprovided with a multi-tasking operating system such that batterymonitoring software and diagnostic routines will run at a fixed prioritylevel at all times while a wide range of applications software can berun concurrently without jeopardizing the reliability of the systemunder extended portable operating conditions.

Preferably, the standardized computer processor module is selectivelyassociated with peripheral device shell configurations for adapting thesystem to specific applications. For example, a shell configuration mayinclude a scanner module for reading bar codes and a manual data entryand display means specifically tailored to a particular job such aspackage tracking, inventory, direct store delivery accounting, or thelike. As a specific embodiment, the peripheral device shell may comprisea digitizer input tablet and display means which can receive handwritteninput data and provide a desired confirming display. A conversationalmode may provide for multiple interpretive displays of successivelylesser probability in response to an input character for a word which isambiguous with function key selection of the correct interpretation, orthe like. A voice input and/or voice synthesizer shell module is anotherexemplary embodiment. Again in a conversational mode, the module mayrepeat input words in synthesized speech and/or provide a visual displaythereof whereupon actuation of a function button or the like mayinstruct the module to present a second most probable selection from itsvocabulary.

The handwritten or voice input modules may include a learning programfor progressively improving recognition of the individual user'scharacteristic handwritten or voice input. Physical objects related to agiven user application may be assigned respective code words e.g. ofeight bits length; thus in the case of a food service function, in afood selection mode, the writing of the letter "P" with a stylus on aninput tablet or the spoken word "potato chip" may be stored as the ASCIIcode for the character P in a special food selection storage. Anonvolatile storage section would enable the translation of the "P" codein food selection mode into the string of characters "potato chips" onthe display and/or produce the synthesized speech output "potato chips".In a conversational mode, if there were two or more P items, the shellmodule could in response to a "P" input, present on the display alisting of the P selections, e.g., as P1, P2, P3, etc., whereupon theuser could enter with a stylus or the like, the correct numeral "1","2", "3", etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a peripheral device shell mayprovide a transparent tablet serving as data input and as a displaywindow. A sonic wave digitizer arrangement for example may sense stylus(or finger) position on the tablet. The display may include a graphicsliquid crystal display (LCD) behind the transparent tablet for defininga keyboard in a touch data entry mode, and for display of data suppliedby touch entry, or by other means such as handwritten input, speechinput, optical scanner input, and so on. Keyboard touch selectionpositions can be labeled by means of icons (pictorial images) where thisis most effective. The shirt pocket size unit may be of sealedconstruction so as to be ideal for meter reading, timber inventory, orany environmentally demanding application.

The computer processor module may be employed with peripheral devicessuch as printers, laser bar code readers, RF modules, smart cardinterface modules, disk systems, full travel keyboards, high resolutiondisplays, local area network (LAN) interface modules, etc., and varioussuch devices may be combined in a single self-contained battery poweredhand-held unit.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a terminalmeans which can be utilized by an individual at various locations fordirect communication with another computer system for the purpose ofcarrying out desired individual transactions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a terminalwhich can be conveniently carried on the person of an individual, forexample, in a shirt pocket.

A further object of the invention is to produce a terminal unit which isadapted to incorporate a means for reliably identifying an individualwho uses the terminal and wherein the terminal facilitates each step incarrying out the desired transaction.

A feature of the invention resides in the provision of a terminalcapable of removably receiving an information card with extensive memorycapability and which, together with the terminal, can be held in onehand during entry of information concerning a transaction.

In accordance with a further feature, such a hand-held terminal systemmay incorporate means for two-way communication with a central computersystem, e.g., via telephone lines or a radio frequency link.

In accordance with another feature, such a hand-held terminal system maybe provided with a scanner for optically scanning visual informationsuch as bar codes.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, such a hand-heldterminal system may have dimensions of width and length comparable to astandard intelligent information card and of thickness to fit in thepocket, such as a shirt pocket.

In accordance with still another feature of the invention, such aterminal configuration is designed so as to be adaptable to a widevariety of applications without change in its basic housingconfiguration.

The foregoing objects will be more fully understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description, and other and further objects, featuresand advantages will also become apparent from the present disclosure asa whole and from the individual features and relationships of theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view illustrating theinsertion of an intelligent information card into a receptacle of aterminal means in accordance with the present invention while theterminal means is held by one hand;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a terminal means in accordance withthe present invention and showing an exemplary display including foursingle lines of characters and at the bottom Chinese charactersoccupying the height of two character lines of the display;

FIG. 3 illustrates a matrix of touch regions for a touch screen such asindicated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram for illustrating an exemplaryprocessing means occupying the interior of the terminal of FIGS. 1 and2;

FIG. 5A is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view showing a terminalwhich may be utilized particularly for selecting desired functions in aparticular application of the terminal of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 5B shows the insertion of an intelligent information card into areceptacle of the terminal of FIG. 5A, while the terminal is held by onehand;

FIG. 6 is a somewhat schematic block diagram for illustrating theelectronic processing components which may be utilized with theembodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a shirt pocket sizeterminal means in accordance with the present invention, including ascanner tip, and having portions broken away to show internalcomponents;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view for indicating internalcomponents of the terminal means of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of a core processor module with touchscreen type display and having length and width comparable to a standardcredit or debit card and thickness to fit in a shirt pocket;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an exemplary shellconfiguration for readily receiving the core processor module of FIG. 9,to form a plural module terminal system, e.g., adapted for direct storedelivery accounting;

FIG. 11 shows a store terminal device for coupling with the system ofFIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary coupling means for coupling the system ofFIGS. 9 and 10 with the store terminal of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are plots showing the variation of a bar code signalover the length of the bar code as generated for example when theillumination geometry is non-uniform, FIG. 13A being the case of blackbars on a white background and FIG. 13B showing the signal variation forwhite bars on a black background;

FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 are plots of bar code signal variation in thevicinity of a first bar, FIG. 14 showing a plot for a narrow first blackbar on a white background, FIG. 15 showing the case of a narrow firstwhite bar on a black background, FIG. 16 showing the variation for awide first white bar, and FIG. 17 showing the case of black bars on alow contrast highly reflective white background;

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram useful for explaining the processing of barcode signals such as shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14, 15, 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a hand-held data terminal with asignature pad module in place;

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the module;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the module;

FIG. 22 is a top view of the module, partly in section;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the module;

FIGS. 24 and 25 show exemplary circuitry for the input/output printedcircuit board of the embodiment of FIGS. 19-23;

FIGS. 26-29 show exemplary circuitry for the CPU printed circuit boardof the embodiment of FIGS. 19-23;

FIG. 30 is a partial plan view showing a computerized processor moduleassembled in a receiving module and operating in signature input mode;and

FIG. 31 shows the computerized processor module displaying the resultsof a signature verification operation for the case where the processormodule functions as a separate self-contained unit using its own batterypower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred terminalconfiguration 10 of a size to be held in the hand of the user. FIG. 1illustrates the placing of an information card 11 into a receptacle 12of the terminal. The card 11 may be a standard intelligent informationcard conforming with international standards such as the present ISOstandard. Such a card may have the same length and width and thicknessas a standard credit card now in use. By way of example, such a card mayhave an array of eight contact terminals at one side thereof providingfor interface with other devices. Such a card may have an electricallyerasable programmable read only memory of a sufficient capacity torecord an individual's account number, personal identification numberand other information which may be desired for reliably identifying theindividual. Further, such a memory may have a capacity for receivingextensive additional information such as might be required in effectingbetting on a number of horse races.

By way of example, receptacle 12 may be provided with nub means 14 whichis configured to cause the card 11 to flex at its edge 11 a as it ispivoted into receptacle 12. Thus the nub means 14 may be spaced abovethe floor of the receptacle 12 by a distance slightly greater than thethickness of the card. An opposite side edge 11b of card 11 may beinserted under similar nub means at the opposite side of receptacle 12and the card 11 then pivoted downwardly until edge 11a of the card issnapped under nub means 14. The nub means at opposite sides ofreceptacle 12 which cooperate with card edges 11a and 11b hold the card11 in receptacle 12, and spring urged contacts in the floor ofreceptacle 12 make pressure engagement with the array of eight contactson the underside of the card, once the card has been inserted.

Any suitable means may be employed to facilitate removal of a card fromthe receptacle 12. For example, a wall 15 of terminal 10 may be providedwith a notch 16 enabling insertion of a fingernail or stylus under edge11a of the card for prying the card upwardly and out of the recess. Thestandard card 11 is sufficiently flexible so that this is readilyaccomplished.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a touch screen 17 occupies the side of theterminal opposite receptacle 12 and has an area generally comparable tothe area of the standard card. By way of example, the touch screen mayutilize LCD (liquid crystal display) technology and may be capable ofdisplaying a number of lines of characters, for example four linesrelating to four bets and additional lines which may, for example,provide an integrated graphic display (e.g., a single line of Chinesecharacters).

By way of example, associated with the touch screen at a surface 20 maybe suitable indicia such as 21-24 for explaining the format of thedisplay. In the specific illustration of FIG. 2, the characters "HV" mayrepresent the initial letters of the name of a race track (e.g., HappyValley), the next series of characters representing the data (e.g.,year, month and day of month). Further characters on the display mayrelate to the day of the week, the type of bet or the like.

In the example of a transaction involving betting on a horse race, anexemplary keyboard display for touch screen 17 is indicated in FIG. 3.In an example, where several race tracks may be involved, the identitiesof respective race tracks may be displayed at locations such as 31 and32 in FIG. 3. Each location may display indicia indicating theprogrammed significance of the location. Simply by way of example, aprompt message at lines 33 and 34 might instruct the user to select therace track where the race to be the subject of a wager is to take place.At the same time, indicia representing the two race tracks would appearat 31 and 32. The user would then press location 31 or 32 with hisfinger to indicate the identity of the race track. A similar procedurecould be followed for identifying the day of the race, the number of theparticular horse on which the bet is being placed, the amount of thewager, and so on.

In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal 10 isprovided with an acoustic coupling means 50 which may serve to couplethe terminal with telephone lines, for example. Thus in the case ofbetting transactions, once the user of the terminal has entered desiredbets, for example on a number of horse races, the user may couple theterminal, e.g. via an acoustic coupler, with a handset of a conventionaltelephone, for establishing two-way telephone communication with acentral computer system equipped to deal with the particular type oftransaction and to authorize the individual participant. The touchscreen 17 may display suitable prompt messages in establishing thetelephone link with the central computer, or the processor of theterminal 10 may itself be programmed to establish the telephone linkautomatically, for example in response to actuation of a "SEND" location35 of FIG. 3. Once communication is established, the processor ofterminal 10 is able to transmit the data stored on the information card11 via the telephone link to the central computer system so that thecentral computer system can verify that the individual is authorized tocarry out the relevant transactions. In the case of horse race betting,the information on the particular race and particular horses involvedand the other details of the bet would be transmitted to the centralcomputer system for verification and for evaluation of the total amountbeing bet, for example in relation to the individual's establishedaccount balance.

Also in the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the housing isprovided at a corner thereof with an optical scanner module 60 which maybe utilized as a hand-held bar code scanner, and which also can servefor receiving optical communication via a suitable receiving device. Inthe case where the terminal utilizes rechargeable batteries, a receivingboot could automatically couple with a charging circuit for the batterymeans and this boot could also be provided with a host computer orsuitable communication to a host computer system such that data from theintelligent card 11 and from the memory of the terminal itself could becommunicated with the host system via an optical link including thescanner module 60, if desired.

Also as a preferred implementation, FIG. 4 illustrates a suitableprocessing system for the housing 10, including a micro-controller 70, areal-time clock 71, control and communication circuits 72, EPROM 73,random access components 71 and 75, a wand scanner and optical interfacecomponent 77, an acoustical coupler interface 78 and a module 80 forcontrolling character and or graphic display of the touch keyboardscreen for a particular desired application.

By way of example intelligent information card 1 may be approximately33/8 inches by 21/8 inches (about 9.5 centimeters by 5.4 centimeters).The dimensions of displays 17 and 117 are thus approximately comparableto the length and width of the card. (The card thickness is standard andabout 1/32 inch). In FIGS. 1-4, the overall dimensions of the terminal10 are not substantially greater than the corresponding card dimensions;the thickness is such that terminal 10 fits in an ordinary shirt pocket.By way of example the terminal may have a thickness of less than oneinch i.e. less than 2.5 centimeters.

In the development of a preferred pocket-size terminal such as indicatedin FIGS. 1 and 2, it is sometimes convenient to utilize a largerdevelopment terminal such as indicated at 100 in FIGS. 5A and 5B, whichmay utilize the same size of touch screen 117 (i.e. two inches by threeinches) but may further utilize a highly versatile keyboard 120 and amuch larger memory capacity so that many different features can be triedout for a particular application. At the rear of the touch screen 117there may be a receptacle 125, FIG. 5B, for an intelligent informationcard exactly corresponding to receptacle 11 of FIG. 1. The terminal 100is shown as being provided with an optical scanner module 130, which mayfunction in the same manner as the module 60 of the preferred embodimentof FIGS. 1 and 2. In the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B, rechargeablebatteries may be utilized and a boot receiving the housing of terminal100 may have provision for optical coupling with the computer system ofthe housing via an optical output means 135. Optical communication froma host computer system may be via the optical scanner module 130 as inthe embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. The housing of terminal 100 is providedwith an acoustical coupling means for telephonic communicationcorresponding to the acoustical coupling means 50 of FIG. 1. Anexemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 5A and 5B may utilize internalcomponents as indicated in FIG. 6.

In the specific embodiment of FIG. 5, components 140-156 may have thefunctions and parameters as indicated by labels for the respectivecomponents in FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 7 THROUGH 12

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show a shirt pocket size terminal configuration 200generally corresponding to that of FIGS. 1-4, but omitting the cardreceptacle 12, terminal 200 includes the following components:

201--casing

202--membrane keyboard

204--liquid crystal display

206--display drivers

208--batteries

210--real time clock

212--scanner module

214--scanner tip

216--plastic support for membrane keyboard 202 (FIG. 8)

218--printed circuit board

220--display keyboard controller

222--RAM

224--microprocessor

226--ROM-A/D

228--real time clock, decode circuits

Referring to the graphics display of FIG. 9, data input into unit 200may be by means of a touch screen display as indicated at region 230, orby means of a digitizer system for sensing the position of a manuallyheld stylus.

Exemplary characteristics for such a unit are summarized as follows:

V25 CMOS MICROPROCESSOR 8 MHZ

16 bit arithmetic logic unit

8086 software compatible

16K byte mask ROM

retains VRTX operating system

diagnostic/power control routines

sophisticated loader

1 MEGABYTE ADDRESS RANGE

2 UARTS--

Full Duplex

Internal Baud Rate Generators

RAM CMOS STATIC

1 Megabyte--Less 16K ROM and 512 Internal RAM and SFR

Holds Application Programs

Also is Data Storage

Battery Back-Up (Non-Volatile)

REAL TIME CLOCK/CALENDAR

Provides Date/Time Information

Back-Up

PLASTIC LCD DISPLAY

64×128 Pixel Graphics Dot Matrix

Built-In ASCII Character Generator

Programmable Character Capability

Limited Animation Capability

TRANSPARENT KEYPAD

50 Keys in 5×10 Matrix

Defined by Display For Location, Size, & Legend

BUILT-IN WAND TYPE SCANNER

User Input Capability In Addition To Keypad

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Nicad or Lithium

Complete Control/Monitor Via Software

Offers Highly Reliable Remaining Battery Operating Time

Gauge

Provides power to RAM+RTC Under All Conditions

I/O CONNECTOR

8 Pin

Programmable

Only Ground and Charge Pins Dedicated

5 Volt Interface

Never Powers Peripherals

ENVIRONMENTALLY SEALED

Plastic Case is Glued or Sonic Welded

Repair Procedure Is To Cut Case Away and Replace

Can Be Submerged

DISCUSSION OF FIGS. 7, 8 AND 9

The main attractions of a V25 micro-controller for the system of FIGS.7, 8 and 9 are that it is CMOS, very high speed, and sixteen bitsinternal, with a nice collection of built-in peripherals. The fact it is8086 software compatible means that VRTX (versatile real-time operatingsystem) can easily be ported to the V25, with the addition of new I/Odrivers. VRTX is a multi-tasking operating system, so the batterycontrol circuitry software will run at a fixed priority level at alltimes as will diagnostic routines. Applications will be moved in and outas necessary.

The one megabyte of CMOS static RAM and the RTC are always suppliedpower. When battery voltage drops below a selected value, e.g., 4.5volts, (the fuel gauge will read zero at this point) the unit shuts downand cannot be worked unless proper power is supplied to it on its chargepin. The unit will appear to shut down when not actively doing anything;however, touching the keypad will bring it to use. (Also I/O activitywake it.)

The plastic LCD display is light in weight and relatively immune tomechanical injury. The graphics capability is advantageous so that thedisplay can define the keypad, key location, size, and legend. It willdisplay icons and provide vertical and horizontal movement. The displaycontroller can work from a page larger than can be displayed and movearound in the page without rewriting the display memory. The ability toload in custom character sets lets the unit perform I/O suitable to thecountry in which it is used (just by downloading new software).

The I/O may be strictly serial in operation; however, besides the twoUARTS of the V25 there will be an 8530 SCC (serial communication chip)which will provide two more serial channels. This enables protocols tobe run synchronously as well as asynchronously. The 8530 will providebit, byte, and A-Sync communication at a high data rate--up to 1.5megabytes per second.

Pursuant to an early concept of peripheral shells, the unit can standalone in a package tracking, meter reading, tree counting orwarehouse/store inventory environment, but possesses a great amount ofpower and with more peripherals could well become the next generation oflow and mid-range terminals. A shell would be used to envelope the unitand house the external peripherals and additional power source theywould require. A hand-held computer unit could be composed of a keyboardand a fifteen pin I/O interface with the whole under keyboard areafilled with alkaline batteries to power the peripherals and the V25 coreunit.

Similarly, a larger display, a printer, a permissive modem, an RF linkmodule and other peripherals could be shelled around the core unit ofFIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

By way of example, the terminal unit of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 may have awidth of the order of two inches (e.g. 21/8 inches), a length of theorder of three inches (e.g. 33/8 inches) and a thickness of the order ofone inch (e.g. 3/4 inch).

In a digitizing input mode of operation of the unit of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9,successive character entry fields may be defined in a line across ascreen area such as indicated at 240. For example, the rectangle 240-1(presently containing the numeral "1") could receive a first character,e.g. manually entered as a series of strokes by means of a stylus. Theunit could produce a graphical display in the form of linescorresponding to the paths of the successive strokes, e.g. at the line242 above line 240. The program could analyze the input on the basis ofthe sequence in which the strokes were entered, rates of stylusmovement, and so on, so as to interpret the intended character withsubstantial accuracy. The unit may display its interpretation of amanual character entry by displaying the corresponding stored characterfrom its repertory at a line 244, e.g., as soon as there is a pause ofselected (programmable) duration. If then the user begins drawing a newcharacter, e.g., in a second field 240-2, the program will assume thatits interpretation is correct and will automatically store it. If agiven field is skipped, a space may be correspondingly automaticallystored. The size of each character field and other parameters (such aspause duration) can be selected to have values convenient to theindividual user, during a mode, with suitable prompts from the display.The processor, during manual character entry, can be set to a learningmode where it seeks to adapt as accurately as possible to the writingstyle of a given user. Such learning mode can be switched off wheneverdesired, as a further user set up mode parameter. A similar procedurecould be followed for processor learning in the case of a speech inputmodule.

FIG. 10 illustrates a shell module 260 having a receptacle 261 forreceiving a processor core module such as 200, FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. Module260 may cooperate with module 200 to provide a direct store deliveryterminal. The terminal may have a card slot 262 for receiving aconventional smart card containing the information related to a deliverytransaction, and may have an input/output coupler such as a one-fourthinch phone jack 264 for coupling with a store device 270, FIG. 11, via aconnecting link such as 272, FIG. 12. Phone jack 264, FIG. 10, and phonejack 274, FIG. 11, may be one-fourth inch three conductor phone jacksfor receiving cooperating phone plugs 276, 277 of link 272.

The coupling between a smart card and a receiving terminal (such as 260,FIG. 10) is illustrated in the third figure at page 45 of an articleentitled, "Smart Credit Cards: The Answer to Cashless-Shopping" in IEEESpectrum, February 1984 (pages 43-49) and this article is incorporatedherein by reference by way of background. A similar coupling arrangementis preferred between modules 200 and 260.

By way of example, the core module 200 may have an array of eight I/Ocontacts similar to those of the smart card of the third figure at page15 of the IEEE Spectrum article just referred to. These contacts wouldmate with cooperating contacts at a contact region such as indicated at280 of module 260. Charge and ground contacts of module 200 could be offixed function, while the other contacts could be programmable aschannels, clocked data, analog inputs or outputs, or event inputs andoutputs.

Module 260 may have a battery compartment 282 for receiving alkalinebatteries for energizing suitable interface circuitry such asrepresented in the above-referenced third figure. A telephone jack maybe located at 284 for coupling with the modem of the referenced thirdfigure. Module 200 may couple with the interface circuitry of module 250via contact region 280 in the same way as represented in the referencedthird figure for the case of "Peripherals" and/or as represented for thecase of a "Display", and "Keyboard", for example. A customer keypad maybe coupled with module 260 in the same way as represented in thereferenced third figure.

Typical shells for forming hand-held terminals with module 200 could beprinters, laser bar code readers, RF modules; smart card interfaces (asat 262, FIG. 10), disk systems, full travel keyboards, larger displays,local area network interfaces, etc. A hand-held printer device whichcould serve as a shell for the processor module 600 is available fromNORAND Corporation, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is referred to as a 40-columnhand-held printer for use in product distribution systems, and isdescribed in a brochure designated "960-182-0485" of Norand DataSystems.

DISCUSSION APPLICABLE TO ALL EMBODIMENTS

The concept of a plural module hand-held data processing system enablesthe use of a single computing engine to drive an entire product line.The basic or core module may comprise a self-contained limitedinput/output device with extreme reliability and flexibility. While thecore module can serve many markets directly, many more can be met byusing peripheral device shell modules which may integrate the coremodule into its confines. An internal fixed operating system protectsthe critical core module functions while allowing user applications toexecute in a multi-tasking real time environment.

Of prime importance are the two requirements and tremendous capability.The lowest possible cost is achieved by use of technology yielding lowmanufacturing costs at high volumes. High volumes are achieved when asingle product is flexible enough to perform well in multiple markets.

Of particular interest are flexible shirt pocket size plural moduleconfigurations which enable data input independently of a conventionalkeyboard. For example, a digitizer tablet input such as described withreference to FIGS. 7-12 is also applicable to the embodiments of FIGS.1-6. Various optical type scanners are also of substantial utility forquick, easy and highly accurate input of existing printed data, e.g.,bar codes, text, and graphical information. Instant type optical readerswhich may be integrated into a hand-held shell module according to thepresent invention are disclosed in a pending application of the presentinventors U.S. Ser. No. 894,689 filed Aug. 8, 1986, (now U.S. Pat. No.4,877,949 issued Oct. 31, 1989), and the disclosure including thedrawings of this pending application are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety as illustrating arrangements which may beembodied in a peripheral shell such as indicated at 250 in FIG. 10. Forthe embodiments of the co-pending application, the optical output meansmay be at opposite ends of battery compartment 282, while the reflectedlight optics and processing components may occupy the region belowcompartment 282 and a region replacing card slot 262, FIG. 10. Thecontrol and processing means of said co-pending application could beembodied in the basic core module such as represented at 200, or thedisplay and manual data input means could be provided by a separatemodule in receptacle 261, while a basic processing module occupied agreatly reduced space such as represented at 300, FIG. 10, theprocessing module being inserted into a receiving well via a removablecover as is commonly the case with battery compartments such as 282.Such a cover could incorporate resilient means so that when the coverwas latched, a core processing module at location 300 would have itseight metal contacts pressed against cooperating contacts of thereceiving shell module such as 260. Referring to the article "SmartCards" by Robert McIvor in Scientific American, November, 1985, at page153, an eight contact terminal is shown in association with a singlechip microprocessor system, from which it will be apparent that thewidth of the smart card could be reduced from fifty-four millimeters totwenty millimeters and fit edgewise into the region 300 (vertically asviewed in FIG. 10). For such a strip type core module, the thicknesscould be substantially greater than the standard card thickness of 0.75millimeters, for example ten millimeters.

The core module may incorporate the components of FIG. 1 or FIG. 6, orcomponents such as 77, 78 and 80, FIG. 4, may be incorporated into aperipheral device module, for example one fitting into receptacle 261 ofshell module 260, the core module incorporating the remainingcomponents. Similarly as to FIG. 5, components such as 147, 148, 149,150 and 151 can be incorporated into a module fitting into receptacle251, while component such as 152 and 154 may be incorporated into theshell module 260, and 261 the remaining components incorporated into thestrip core module fitting into region 300.

Preferred features of an exemplary core module such as might fit intoreceptacle 12, FIG. 1, receptacle 125, FIG. 5B, or region 300, FIG. 10,are as follows:

(1) User immune real-time multi-tasking operating system. Themulti-tasking ability allows system programs of the core module to runin the background and never lose control. This ensures proper operationof the user's application(s) and system status availability.

A program known as VRTX (Versatile Real-Time Executive) and IOX(Input/Output Executive), available commercially, together withinput/output drivers, monitors and control programs preferably composethe operating system stored in the core module (for example in read onlymemory ROM).

(2) A microcomputer compatible with personal computer architecture,e.g., an NEC V25 microcomputer with 8086 type architecture, supports theimplementation of the operating system in that VRTX and IOX are 8086oriented. A high integration CMOS construction directly supports thelower power standby and shut down features which are desired for thecore module versatile interface adapter (VIA) software control. A onemegabyte addressing range would be considered a minimum for hand-heldunits, along with a sixteen bit internal arithmetic logic unit.

(3) With a one megabyte memory, for example, read only memory necessaryto contain the operating system would require about eighty kilobytes.All the rest of memory in the addressing range may be CMOS static randomaccess memory used for applications.

(4) The core module preferably provides clock and calendar functions,and a hardware real time clock chip is compatible with very low powerrequirements.

(5) Battery operation is presently a key hardware aspect of a coremodule, and this is the main reason VRTX should provide immunity fromthe user. In order to offer unparalleled reliability in the field, thepower control system should never be tampered with except underoperating system control. The core module may use nickel cadmiumrechargeable batteries. Such a core module preferably implements theintelligent battery system such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,455,523; 4,553,081, and in a pending application of Steven E. Koenck,et al., U.S. Ser. No. 876,194, filed Jun. 19, 1986, now U.S. Pat. No.4,709,202. The intelligent battery system allows a very accurate "fuelgauge" for advising the user of remaining battery capacity. Fast chargecapability offsets the lower capacity batteries which are preferablyused in the core module. All of the RAM, the RTC and internal registers,e.g., of the V25 are battery backed up, even with the unit shut down.

Battery monitoring will also indicate possible problems before theybecome serious and, combined with other system monitoring, will provideunprecedented forewarning of possible impending failure. All deviceswill ultimately fail, but it is extremely advantageous if a unit can beremoved from service before a hard failure occurs.

(6) The core module should be able to communicate with a host and withperipheral devices, for downloading of the application programs into thecore module and for communicating with all types of input/output devicessuch as those referred to herein. Extensive flexibility in thecommunication protocol is provided for example by using two high speedserial channels capable of being programmed as asynchronous, bytesynchronous or bit synchronous. Eight input/output contacts provideelectrical connection to the outside. The charge and ground contacts maybe fixed while the other contacts may be programmable as serialchannels, clocked data channels, analog inputs or outputs, or eventinputs and outputs. The concept of using peripheral shell modules forselective coupling with the core module offers complete expansioncapability with minimal development time to enter new markets. Typicalshell modules could comprise graphics LCD display means providing atouch keyboard, digitizer tablet means, printers, laser bar codereaders, RF modules, smart card interfaces, disk systems, full travelkeyboards, larger displays, local area network interfaces, et cetera.Optionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, for example, the coremodule may have a built-in minimal input/output capability such as maybe achieved by using a graphics LCD display on one face of the coremodule for output and a touch responsive keyboard directly behind anddefined by the display. The display, for example, may comprise 64×128pixels, or eight lines by twenty-one characters, and may support anycharacter set that can be defined. This is ideal for foreignapplications. Since the keyboard is defined by the display, it willnaturally be in the same language. The display (and keyboard) may beback lighted by a built-in electro-luminescent panel. Many stand-aloneapplications for such a core module would require bar code scanning andthus a built-in scanner is illustrated at 212, 214, FIG. 7. Such adisplay would have the ability to use icons (pictorial images) as labelsfor keyboard locations, and to change them as the application requires.

A core module such as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 could have a housingcomprised of two die cast magnesium shells, glued together. Preferablythere are no holes through the housing, so that the unit is submergible.It is ideal for meter reading, package tracking, timber inventory, orenvironmentally demanding application. Internal construction ispreferably of one continuous flexible printed circuit board. Thiseliminates connectors, weight, and sources of failure. Preferably eventhe batteries are soldered in. The core module may withstand beingdropped to a concrete surface from seven feet without functional damage.A minimum number of integrated circuits will reduce the cost andincrease the reliability of the core module.

Where the graphics type keyboard displays icons representing physicalobjects, it will be apparent that such physical objects may berepresented by a single code word such as utilized to represent anyother keyboard entry. Such code may be translated into a correspondinggraphical icon type display by means of a suitable read only memory orthe like. A similar situation can prevail for example where shorthandcharacters are input to respective receiving regions such as indicatedat 240-1 and 240-2 in FIG. 9. Spoken words related to a givenapplication may likewise be represented by single code words in randomaccess memory, and translated via read only memory or the like intocorresponding strings of characters for display, or for synthesizedspeech output. As previously mentioned, if the letter P is related to anumber of objects for a given user application, the user may input theletter "P" at a region such as 240-1 or 240-2, FIG. 9, whereupon theinput strokes may be repeated at a corresponding location in row 242,and possible interpretations, either graphically, or as characterstrings, may be sequentially presented, e.g. at row 244. When thecorrect interpretation is displayed, the user may touch a suitableregion of the display such as indicated at 310 to indicate approval ofthe current displayed interpretation.

In preferred hardware for implementing the illustrated embodiments, allmemory and input/output accesses are allowed when the system is in thesupervisor or system mode. On the other hand, any access by anapplication program to any area outside of its work and program areas(as assigned by the system) must immediately return control to theoperating system for proper action. A microcomputer such as the V25 isadvantageous because of its non-multiplexed bus, and built-in softwarecontrolled power down. It would also be advantageous to have a built inhardware boundary checking of applications being run (as in the 80286).A digital semi-custom chip can accommodate this function externally.

A V25 internal timer may be used as the VRTX tick. Entrance to VRTX isthrough the NMI input of the V25. This is the only input (besides reset)that not only can wake the chip up if its in a sleep mode, but alsocannot be shut off by an application (thus disabling VRTX). Many sourcesmay logically OR into NMI. The real-time clock, serial channels, chargeindicator, and keyboard are some of these. Most of these should beprogrammable as to whether they can activate NMI.

The random access memory can be built as a separate module. For exampleeight 128 kilobyte chips and decoding may be in the module. A moduleselect line should also be included since the module is expected to beuseful in other product lines in multiple configurations. Standbycurrents of fifteen microamperes at two volts are being presentlyconsidered.

As real-time clock, an Intersil 7170 may be used since it is guaranteedto operate at two volts, the same as for RAM. The RTC and RAM are allbattery backed up once low battery condition is entered.

For a shell module containing a display, a plastic LCD dot matrixdisplay from Polaroid Corporation may be used. A display size of 64×128pixels with eighteen mil pitch gives eight lines of twenty-onecharacters each (5×7 font). The controller may be the Epson E-1330. Thisis a graphics controller that can support three separate planes or pagesfor the screen and can combine them in many different ways. The planescan be graphic or characters. The characters can come from the internalROM or RAM loaded by the application. A graphics plane could createboxes and a character plane could put legends in them. The E-1330 usesS-MOS 1180 and 1190 drivers to run the columns and rows (respectively)of the display. They apply a ten to fifteen volt bias on the display.This may be obtained from a plus five volt supply in the core module incombination with a variable minus twelve volt supply in the shell moduleand providing two to three milliamperes for the display. This supply iscontrolled by the E-1330 as for on-off but the V 25 will be responsiblefor controlling the actually used voltage based on the temperature ofthe core module and user input information. A fast recovery crystal ispreferred to minimize the time delay upon release of pressure (e.g. bythe manual entry stylus or finger). Using a fast recovery plastic LCDdisplay enables the user to press through the display and activate akeyboard behind it. The display is used to define the keyboard orprovide the "overlay". This gives the advantage of not only being ableto continually change the keyboard as the application requires, but ifthe display is programmed in a foreign language such as Ethiopian, thekeyboard is in the same language. Putting the keyboard behind thedisplay allows for an opaque design of low contact resistance. Thekeyboard may be a 5×10 matrix (fifty keys) software configurable to becombined for any shape or icon style key defined by the display.

A soft (but tough) electro-luminescent panel is preferred for backlighting, the keyboard being activated by pressing through the displayand the electro-luminescent panel. A tremendous advantage here is thatnot only is the display operable at night, but so is the keyboard (whichis further programmable).

A built-in wand scanner such as indicated in FIG. 7 preferably has asapphire lens in a stainless steel or other hard metallic housing.Testing has shown that sapphire tipped wands will chip concrete beforethey break. It is preferable to make the chip very rugged rather than tomake it easily replaceable. The wand housing is preferably clamped (andglued) right into a casing such as 201. The light source may be a nearinfrared visible LED to be able to read non-carbon inks and let the userknow it is on, yet take advantage of the infrared capacity to readthrough many stains and smudges. Preferably the scanner is capable ofreading in direct sunlight, and in this connection reference may be madeto an application of Eric J. Danstrom, U.S. Ser. No. 044,820 filed Apr.30, 1987 (abandoned in favor of U.S. Ser. No. 07/257,106, now U.S. Pat.No. 4,970,379 issued Nov. 13, 1990), the disclosure including thedrawings of which being incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

An initial approach of a four N-cell nickel cadmium battery pack witheach cell treated individually is now less preferred than a one cell"battery pack". The one cell pack requires a converter to boost thevoltage. The single cell has many more advantages. No cell matching isrequired. No conditioning cycles are required, and it is not necessaryto be concerned about cell voltage depression. A single converter tostep up the voltage for a shell display module would be suitable, with asingle switching regulator (current mode) to charge the cell from a muchwider input range (e.g. from four to twenty volts). Fast charging on theorder of 1C (or perhaps 2C) can be achieved since continuous monitoringof cell voltage and temperature curves (with respect to previous cellconditions will allow proper charging with no risk of overcharge, Thissame monitoring applied to discharge as well, provides a very accurate"fuel gauge". Rechargeable lithium batteries may be considered, but thegeneral recommended operating requirements do not match the preferredembodiment as described herein as well as nickel cadmium batteries. Thecharging line will have a diode blocking reverse current flow andinserted prior to the input/output terminal (for protection). This samesingle battery pack may also serve as the backup battery. The operatingsystem may operate to equate ten percent or twenty percent of remainingcapacity in the battery pack to "zero" on the "fuel gauge" beingdisplayed to the user.

In a preferred embodiment a surface type connector as used in smartcards has advantages in that it takes up very little space and cannotclog with dirt (can be wiped clean, e.g., during interconnecting ofrespective modules). Further, a surface type connector avoids the use ofa cable. To maintain input/output protection and immunity from theenvironment, each core module may have all of its programmableinput/output terminals disabled. The charge pin of a core module may beused to determine the presence of a peripheral shell. Each peripheralmay have its own power supply and may or may not provide charge to thecore. A peripheral module must at least provide a logic ONE (greaterthan one volt) to the charge pin in order to signal its presence. Ifsuch a logic ONE is present, the core module will determine if theperipheral module can charge it by enabling the charge regulator on thecharge pin. If the level pulls low, it will indicate that the peripheralmodule is meant to only communicate with the core module but not chargeit.

Preferably immediately inside of the case of a module will be anelectrostatic discharge (ESI)) resistor/diode clamp protection scheme.From there the I/O lines may go to a cross-point type multi-plexingcircuit. Since in a preferred embodiment any of the six remaining pinscan be inputs or outputs and connect to A/D channels in the module,voltage measurements could be made in a peripheral, e.g., by the coremodule and appropriate messages displayed to the user as to peripheralreadiness and power levels.

The eight contacts of each module could be gold plated or the like suchthat they would be very conductive and yet tough. The contacts may bemolded in a plastic insert that is glued into a hole at a location suchas indicated at 280, FIG. 10, for example.

A case such as indicated at 201 in FIG. 7 can be in two pieces a fronthalf and a back half, and the back half may have one rectangular flangedhole in which to glue the oppositely flanged I/O contact plate. The backhalf may be glued with conductive epoxy glue to the top case half. Thetop case half may have a large rectangular opening in which thedisplay/electro-luminescent panel/keyboard assembly fits. There may be ashelf behind this assembly for support with a glued-in bezel to seal thedisplay and other components into the depression.

In an embodiment such as FIG. 7, preferably the mating corner portionsof both halves may be specially molded to clamp around the scannerhousing. When finally glued together, the resulting casing 201 may becompletely sealed. It may be water and gas tight, but preferably nothermetically sealed where the display plastic is permeable. Purging thecasing such as 201 with dry nitrogen at the time of assembly and sealingmay increase reliability. Operation may be from somewhat below sea level(e.g. actually under water) up to 10,000 feet. The case such as 201 mayhave a size a little over three inches long by a little over two inchesdeep by about three-fourths inch thick, for example.

A module such as indicated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, would be suitable byitself for fields such as package tracking, price checking, inventorycontrol, meter reading, consumer comparative shopping, et cetera.Various countries may require individually designed modules to couplewith the module or module assembly of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, in order to meetnational requirements and the like, e.g, with respect to such peripheraldevices as modems, power supplies and so on.

The core module previously referred to as being insertable into a spacesuch as 300, FIG. 10, may also be insertable into a similar space in themodule of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, and may represent a standardized basicprocessing module having the real-time multi-tasking operating systemand other characteristics previously described herein.

It will be apparent that many modifications and variations may beeffected without departing from the scope of the teachings of thepresent disclosure. For example, scanner tips such as indicated at 60,FIG. 2, or at 214, FIG. 7, may be adapted to left-handed users, byinverting the contents of the display. Thus if tip 214, FIG. 9, would beat the lower left with an upright display as shown in FIG. 9 forright-handed manual data entry, the module 200 might be turned by aleft-handed user so that the tip 211 was at the upper right, and thecontents of the display inverted.

DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING (FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14-18)

Reference is made pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Section 120 to Arvin D.Danielson and Dennis A. Durbin co-pending application for patent U.S.Ser. No. 894,689 filed Aug. 8, 1986 (now U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,949 issuedOct. 31, 1989), Attorney's Docket No. 5740, and the disclosure of thespecification including the claims, and of the drawings of saidco-pending application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

A module such as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 may have a non-contactessentially instantaneous bar code scanner, e.g., at a long edge such as311. Flash illumination where needed for the instantaneous bar codereader could be provided by a receiving shell such as shown in FIG. 10.The shell could contain the battery power for the flash illuminationmeans in the shell and also for any LED marker light sources associatedwith the photodiode array of the processor module. A series of lightemitting diodes could be used for each of the flash illumination sourcesof the second and third figures of the incorporated patent applicationSer. No. 894,689 (now U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,949), and such LEDs could allbe energized with simultaneous electric pulses, or the pulses could besupplied in quick succession to essentially simulate an instantaneousflash. Where the long edge 311, FIG. 7, contains the scanner window forreceiving a reflected bar code image, the receptacle 261 could be shapedso that edge 311 would face frontally, and a frontal face such as 312,FIG. 10, but of a greater dimension would contain the flashable lightsource means, for example. The processor module and shell when assembledwould be hand held in operation, and could be of overall size to fit ina shirt pocket.

The present invention is particularly concerned with improvements ininstant bar code readers of the type shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,282,425and 4,570,057. The disclosures of these U.S. patents are incorporatedherein by reference by way of background.

The instantaneous type of bar code reader with flashable illuminatormeans has proved to be extremely desirable for portable applicationsbecause of its unique simplicity and compact design. A significant goalof the present invention is to retain the major advantages of thepresent commercial instant bar code readers with flashable illuminatormeans while enhancing the capacity for reading bar codes ofsubstantially greater length. An important related aspect of theinvention is to enable the reading of such large labels by illuminatingthe same with an instantaneous flash of light while the labels are at agreater distance from the frontal end of the reader. A furtherdevelopment goal is to more effectively adapt the reading operation bothto close up bar code labels of high reflectivity and to labels atgreater distances and of curved configuration. It is also conceived thata major improvement is possible in the processing of bar code signalshowever generated.

In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the output level indicated at 321a, 321b mayrepresent the output from the image sensor in the absence of light,while reference lines 322a, 322b and 323a, 323b, may represent theoutput level from the image sensor for the case of a black label of aspecific uniform reflectivity and of a white label of a specific uniformreflectivity. The non-uniformity of the signal level over the length ofa bar code is a result of the non-uniformity of the illumination of thebar code, and/or of the curvature of the bar code. The characteristicsshown in FIGS. 13A and 13B apply generally to bar code reader systemswhere illumination is non-uniform or where the label is curved, and arenot limited to flash illumination systems.

In accordance with the present embodiment, it is conceived that digitalsignal processing of a bar code signal before the normal decodingalgorithms are applied can greatly increase the read rate and generalreadability demonstrated by a scanner. By way of example, the outputwaveforms 325 and 326 of FIGS. 13A and 13B may represent the imagesensor output of instant bar code readers such as shown in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,282,425 and 4,570,057. As shown, the sensor output is smaller atboth ends of a label than in the center. The main reason for this is thefall off of illumination at the ends according to the function 1/r²where r is the radius from the effective point source at an end of thebar code. At the central portion of the bar code label, thecorresponding function is 1/r due to an effective line source ofillumination of the bar code at the center. This effect is multipliedwhen reading labels curved around cans and bottles where the labeltowards its ends is progressively farther away from the reader.

An image sensor has the advantage that it establishes an absolute darksignal as indicated at 331, FIG. 13A, and at 332, FIG. 13B, at thebeginning of each reading operation. This allows the reader electronicsthe ability to always properly set up for detecting all bars and spacesof a label. A commercial instant bar code reader of the type shown inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,282,425 and 4,570,057 uses this feature butincorporates a peak detector hardware circuit that digitizes the analogCCD output based on detecting peaks and comparing them with a fixedhysteresis to determine where a bar or space transition is located. Thisallows what is called first bar stretch if the hysteresis is too smalland missed bars or spaces if the hysteresis is too large. The varyingintensity pattern of the CCD output as illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B,when a single hysteresis value is used, contributes to radiometricerrors in the width counts of bars and spaces and makes it moredifficult for the decoding algorithms to function in an optimum manner.The algorithms are designed to overcome only a fixed amount ofvariation. Most readers set up to detect a first black bar on whitebackground as in FIG. 13A, will miss the first bar for the case of awhite bar on a black background as represented for example in FIG. 13B,while those set up to detect the first white bar for the case of FIG.13B will tend to insert a bar when reading a label such as representedin FIG. 13A. Digital signal processing according to the presentembodiment will result in proper detection of a first black bar on awhite background as illustrated in FIG. 13A and will not insert bars orspaces in the case of either FIG. 13A or FIG. 13B.

By storing each sample in digital form until no longer needed, thesuccessive pixels of the stored signal can be examined so as to greatlyenhance the sensitivity and accuracy of the bar code reading process. Ina preferred embodiment, the first pixels supplied by the CCD shiftregisters give absolute dark values such as indicated at 331 and 332.The corresponding stored pixel values provide a valid reference levelfrom which to examine pixels of the bar code signal as digitally stored.As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, all bar codes will produce anegatively sloped signal in the vicinity of the first bar.

In one example of a signal processing procedure for processing the barcode signals resulting from scanning black bars on a white backgroundand white bars on a black background, each signal is examined first tolocate a slope reversal such as indicated at 341, FIG. 13A, or 342, FIG.13B.

In a preferred embodiment, the criteria for a slope reversal is not onlya change from negative slope to positive slope (or vice versa) but alsoa requirement that the changed slope extend for a specified amplituderange. This requirement is described as a need to meet a minimum"hysteresis level" once slope has changed (using a concept derived fromthe "hysteresis" effect where the output is made dependent on thedirection of the input current traverse in certain electrical devices,e.g., in comparator type switching circuits where it is desired to avoidrepeated cycling due to noise pulses). For example, in a preferredembodiment, a change from negative slope to positive slope in an initialpart of a bar code, following a reference level such as indicated at331, FIG. 13A, or 332, FIG. 13B, would require a signal amplitudeincrease as measured directly at the output A/D3 or A/D4 of the CCDarray of sixty millivolts. Thus, if the amplitude increase from 341 to351 in FIG. 13A is sixty millivolts or more, a first slope transitionwould be recognized at 341 for the purpose of further processing stepsherein. Similarly, in FIG. 13B, the transition from 342 to 352 wouldneed to have an amplitude of at least sixty millivolts to havetransition point 342 recognized as the first slope transition forpurposes of the further processing steps. In examining the bar codesignals for further slope transitions, as the signal increases inmagnitude as the center of a bar code is approached, the requiredamplitude change or hysteresis value can be adjusted to correspondinglylarger magnitudes to reduce the risk of error due to signal noise orlabel aberrations. The various hysteresis values can be softwareselected, and thus readily modified to adapt the processing to speciallabels or situations.

Once a first slope reversal is found as at 341, FIGS. 13A, or at 342,FIGS. 13B, the processor means may be programmed to examine succeedingpixels of the stored signal to locate a slope transition of oppositetype, e.g., as indicated at 351, FIGS. 13A, or at 13B.

As previously explained, a slope transition is accepted for processingpurposes if the signal level beyond the possible slope transitionchanges by a selectable value. Where the peaks 351 and 352 meet thiscriterion, the signal between peaks 341 and 351, and between peaks 342and 352 is examined to establish a suitable reference point formeasuring bar width.

For the case of dark bars on a light label, the problem is betterunderstood by reference to FIG. 14. If a first valid slope transitionhas a signal level A and a second valid slope transition has a signallevel B, the measurement of the width of the first dark bar should betaken from a transition point 360, FIG. 14, which is midway between thesignal levels A and B, i.e., at (A+B)/2. On the other hand for afollowing stored signal pattern between valid slope reversals at signallevels of B and C, a midpoint between levels B and C would not properlyrepresent the point for measurement of the width of the first dark bar.The correct transition point is actually at a signal level of H. Thus,in order to identify the proper transition points for measurement of barwidth, according to the procedure of the present invention, the maximumslope of the bar code signal between valid slope transitions is alsotaken into account.

In a preferred embodiment, a transition for purposes of measurement ofbar width is taken as the maximum slope section of the signal closest tothe midpoint between the signal levels of two successive valid slopereversals of opposite type. Utilizing this preferred criterion, thetransitions in FIG. 14 for bar width measurement are (A+B)/2, H,(C+D)/2, (D+E)/2, (E+F)/2 and (F+G)/2.

Thus, in analyzing a stored signal pattern as represented in FIG. 14,the processor would proceed from the reference absolute dark level 331,and locate the slope transition from negative slope to positive slope at341. The processor would then analyze the signal levels beyond point 341to determine if the transition at 341 was to be regarded as a validtransition. For example, if the differential between levels A and Bcorresponded to sixty millivolts of signal amplitude as measureddirectly from the output of the CCD array, the peak at 341 would betreated as a valid slope reversal for purposes of locating themeasurement point 360.

In preparing signal data for processing, a filtering algorithm may beapplied such that the stored and filtered data to be analyzed would plotas shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14 without high frequency superimposednoise disturbances. In this case, the processor can simply identifypeaks such as 341, 351 and 361 by their respective slope transitions andobtain the difference between levels B and C to determine if slopetransitions 341 and 351 are to be considered valid. If the level B minuslevel A value does not meet the initial hysteresis criterion, then slopereversals 341 and 351 would be ignored, and slope transition 361 wouldbe analyzed based on the required initial hysteresis value betweenlevels C and D.

If the slope transition at 351 was such that the differential betweenlevels C and B did not meet the hysteresis criterion, then slopetransitions 351 and 361 would be ignored, and a further positive slopeto negative slope transition, e.g., at 371 would be examined withrespect to the required hysteresis criterion.

Once the first two bar width measurement points such as 360 and 370,FIG. 14, have been determined, the pixel count value between thesemeasurement points is computed as a measure of the width of a first darkbar. Such processing steps can proceed as background while furtherportions of the bar code signal are being read and converted to digitalform.

When the predetermined number of pixels available from the photosensor11, e.g., 5000 pixels, has been read into the processor, the read inprocess is complete, and processor 10 completes the bar code evaluationas promptly as possible.

Where a single processor program is to handle the analysis of both blackbars on a white background and white bars on a black background, theprogram must analyze the signal region prior to the first valid negativeto positive slope transition or first low peak for a knee such asindicated at 390, FIG. 13B. As indicated in FIG. 15, the width of thefirst white bar is then to be measured between points such as 391 and392, FIG. 15. In other words, while the transition as at 360, FIG. 14,from a white space to a first black bar occurs after the first negativeslope to positive slope transition, for the case of the transition froma black space to a first white bar, the transition occurs as shown at391, FIG. 15, prior to the first negative slope to positive slopetransition.

FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15 but illustrates the situation where thefirst white bar is much wider, and the black background to white bartransition occurs at a point such as indicated at 400 between a knee 401and negative slope to positive slope transition at 402.

In order to examine the portion of a bar code signal prior to a firstslope transition for a knee such as indicated at 390, FIGS. 13B and 15,or as indicated at 401, FIG. 16, the program analyzes the slope of thebar code signal at the beginning and working toward the first slopereversal.

First an initial slope is established based on the first few pixelmeasurements beyond the absolute dark reference portion (such as 331,FIG. 13A, or 332, FIG. 13B). Then the processor looks for an abruptslope change in the negative direction relative to such initial slope ofat least two to one. For example, if the initial slope was minus fortymillivolts per pixel, then an abrupt change to at least minus eightymillivolts per pixel would be required to qualify as a valid knee priorto the first negative to positive slope transition. The slope value forcomparison purposes is adjusted from the initial value after eachdetermination of a gradual slope change so that gradual slope changesover a number of pixels will not cause a false indication of a kneetransition. If no sufficiently abrupt transition in negative slope isfound, it may be assumed that the first space to bar transition islocated after the first negative slope to positive slope transition (asin FIG. 13A).

If a sufficiently abrupt change in negative slope is found, the programmay treat such knee-like transition as a first slope transition, andthen proceed the same as for the case of FIGS. 13A and 14.

By way of example, if the processor is to establish a list of validslope transitions and has entered the pixel address of slope transition342, FIG. 13B, as a first negative to positive slope transition, theprocessor may shift such pixel address to a location for a second slopetransition, and enter the pixel address of transition 390, FIG. 13B, asthe first slope transition. Having then established two valid slopetransitions, the processor can subtract the respective signal levelvalues from each other and divide by two to identify the level midpoint.If the processor has previously established a list of slope values forpixel addresses between points 390 and 342, the processor can examinethe list to identify the maximum slope value. If several slope valuesclose to the maximum slope are present, the processor selects the oneclosest to the level midpoint. For example, slope values within tenpercent of the greatest slope value within an interval underconsideration may all be considered as maxima for the purpose ofselecting the maximum slope closest to the level midpoint, especiallywhere individual pixel readings are subject to errors of this magnitude.

FIG. 17 illustrates the signal variation 410 for the case of black barson a white background where the label is of low contrast and highlyreflective. As indicated, a first low peak 411 may actually have amagnitude equal or greater than the second high peak 412, thusemphasizing the importance of controlling the processor to adaptivelyexamine successive portions of the bar code signal as taught inreference to FIGS. 13A, 13B, 15 and 16. By controlling the processor toexamine each transition with respect to its own peaks and slopes, it ispossible to validly decode a bar code signal which could not beotherwise analyzed.

As with all signals, there is noise to be accounted for, and theprocessor is controlled to maintain a minimum hysteresis for all valuesand to average multiple pixels for determining slopes. The number ofpixels to be averaged and the minimum hysteresis to be used in thecontrol of the processor can be software selected, and thus can bemodified to adapt the processing to special labels or situations.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary control program for the processingmeans 10 of FIG. 1 in implementing the analysis of bar code signals suchas represented in FIGS. 13A and 13B which have been stored pixel bypixel in digital form. In digital signal processing mode, the processingmeans is controlled to read successive pixels so as to compute a slopevalue for a given pixel based on suitable average values. For thesuccessive slope values as computed in step 421, the slopes are comparedto identify a transition from a negative slope to positive slope as a"low peak". If such a transition is not found in step 422, decision step423 is executed normally with a return to processing step 421 and thereading of a further pixel value and the computation of an associatedaverage slope value. When a low peak such as 341, FIG. 14A, 342, FIG.14B, or 402, FIG. 16, is located, the signal value associated with thislow peak is stored as indicated by processing step 424. As representedby decision step 425, if this is the first low peak, then processing asindicated by step 426 takes place to examine the stored pixels in theregion between the absolute dark signal portion 331, FIG. 13A, or 332,FIG. 13B, and such first low peak. If a valid detected knee is foundsuch as indicated at 390, FIGS. 13B and 15, or at 401, FIG. 16, thenaccording to step 427, such valid detected knee is established as afirst high peak value for the purpose of further processing as shown bystep 428. Processing then proceeds according to step 430 with acomputation of the first defined transition point such as indicated at360, FIG. 13A, 391, FIG. 15, or 400, FIG. 16.

If decision step 427 failed to locate a "detected knee" before the firstlow peak, then the example of FIG. 13A would apply and processing wouldproceed directly to step 432. According to step 430, the pixel numberassociated with the transition 391 or 400 could be stored in a memoryassociated with processing means 10.

For the case of FIG. 13A, a high peak such as 351 would be identified byprocessing step 433 and the associated transition 360 would bedetermined by step 434, the processor storing the pixel numberassociated with the transition 360 in memory, and then proceeding toexamine the stored signal according to processing step 421. A similarprocessing at steps 433 and 434 would detect the first high peak 352 andsecond defined transition 392, FIG. 15, and the first high peak 450 andsecond defined transition 451 for the case of FIG. 15. With thecomputation of the second transition in step 434, the processor wouldcompute the bar code width as the difference between the pixel number ofthe second defined transition 392 or 451 and the first definedtransition 391 or 400, and store such difference as the width count forthe first white bar.

In either event, processing would terminate as represented by decisionblock 423 or 453 after all of the pixels of the bar code signal had beenexamined.

It would be feasible to utilize the early decoding of initial bars of abar code signal in order to speed up auto discrimination, e.g., theautomatic decision by the processor as to whether a bar code is beingread from a white or black background.

It will be apparent that many further modifications and variations maybe effected without departing from the teachings and concepts of thepresent disclosure.

SUPPLEMENTARY DISCUSSION RE FIGS. 7 THROUGH 12

The following gives examples pursuant to FIGS. 7 through 12 where theassembled plural module device has overall size so as to readily becarried in a shirt pocket when not in use.

EXAMPLE I

In this Example I, the computerized processing module 200 of FIGS. 7, 8and 9 has a width of 21/8 inches, a length of 33/8 inches and a maximumthickness of 3/4 inch. The scanner tip 214 may lie essentially withinthe foregoing dimensions as in FIG. 7.

The receptacle 261 of the peripheral shell module 260, FIG. 10, may havea uniform width so as to snugly receive the width dimension of theprocessing module 200 and a length dimension such that the module 200 issubstantially contained within the receptacle 261 while the portion withscanner tip 214 projects a sufficient distance beyond edge 312 forconvenient scanning of bar codes while it is assembled with the shellmodule 260. A ledge (not shown) may extend about the margin of therecess 261 so as to overlie a top margin of the casing 201 at regionssuch as 201a, 201b and 201c, FIG. 7, while leaving the region ofmembrane 202, FIG. 7, accessible to the user and leaving the displayregion of display 204 visible through the membrane 202 as in FIG. 9.

With such an arrangement the assembled parts 260 and 200 may have anoverall length of five inches or less, and a uniform overall crosssectional perimeter of less than eight inches.

In this Example I, a smart card would be inserted lengthwise into a slotsuch as 262 which slot would have a width of about 21/8 inches, but suchslot would be at the opposite side of the assembly from scanner tip 214since the smart card would project a substantial distance from theassembly even when fully inserted into the slot, e.g. to a depth of twoinches.

Example I may include all of the electrical and mechanical auxiliarymeans referred to herein with respect to FIGS. 7 through 12, and mayinclude a smart card interface for reading and modifying transactiondata stored on a smart card, and for effecting display of stored datafrom the smart card on the display of processor module 200, and formodifying data stored on the smart card according to data andinstructions entered via the input/output means of processing module200.

EXAMPLE II

In this Example II, the computerized processing module 200 may have thesame length and width dimensions as described for Example I, but may beinserted into recess 261 of the peripheral shell module 260 in awidth-wise manner, the sides of recess 261 being separated by a uniformdistance of about 33/8 inches, and such sides having longitudinaldimensions of less than 21/8 inches so that the long edge 311, FIG. 7,of the processing module 200 would be at the rear of recess 261 adjacentbattery compartment 282, and the scanner tip 214 would project beyondfrontal face 312, FIG. 10, for convenient contact with bar codes to bescanned.

In Example II, the smart card slot 262 would again accommodate a smartcard width of about 21/8 inches, but the depth could be such as toreceive the entire length of the smart card (if a suitable card ejectionmechanism were provided).

With such an arrangement of parts and with such a modified peripheralshell configuration, location 300, FIG. 10, might be at the bottom of ashirt pocket and slot 262 at the top of the shirt pocket, with theoverall length less than five inches. With the overall dimension of theassembled modules between scanner tip 214 and the external wall ofbattery compartment 282 being about 31/2 inches, the overall thicknesscould be about 1/2 inch, so that processing module 200 would besubstantially thinner than 3/4 inch, for the case of a cross sectionalperimeter of about eight inches (shirt pocket size). By way of example,a thin processing module 200 could receive its display and digitizeroperating power from the shell module batteries at 282, FIG. 10.

Example II may include all of the electrical and mechanical auxiliarymeans referred to herein with respect to FIGS. 7 through 12, and mayinclude a smart card interface as described for Example I as anauxiliary means of the processor module means for executing an auxiliaryfunction, e.g., reading/writing with respect to a smart card in slot262, FIG. 10.

EXAMPLE III

For a configuration according to Example I or Example II, the display ofFIG. 9 would still be visible with parts 200 and 260 assembled.

With the particular screen of FIG. 9 being displayed, touching any partof region 230 could place the system in touch screen data entry modewith a desired touch type keyboard or graphics display occupying theentire length of the display area over multiple lines, for example.Touching any part of the symbol 450, FIG. 9, on the other hand couldplace the entire display area in digitizer mode, e.g. using a digitizerstylus of suitable construction. For the digitizer example previouslygiven with respect to FIG. 9, outlines of entry fields such as 240-1 and240-2 of suitable size could extend across the entire display region;and lines of characters such as generated at 240, 242 and 244 wouldcorrespondingly be able to extend across the entire display area indigitizer data entry mode.

EXAMPLE IV

The computerized processing module such as 200, FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, andsuch as 300, FIG. 10, for any of Examples I, II, or III may be ofstandardized construction, even where the shell module means havedifferent configurations as in Examples I and II.

As previously described in detail, the computerized processing module200 may be self-contained and may have a display screen occupyingsubstantially an entire broad side of the unit, as is shown in FIG. 9.Input information, e.g. applied to a touch input region 230, FIG. 9, maybe displayed over the surface of the display screen e.g. in five or morelines to the right of region 230. In the stylus input mode as depictedby the graphical symbol 450, FIG. 9, the unit registers the path ofmovement of the manually held stylus e.g. at successive fields such as240-1, 240-2, FIG. 9, along one or more lines e.g. as at 240, FIG. 9,extending substantially completely across the screen and of lengthcomparable to the maximum length of the unit.

EXAMPLES I THROUGH IV

The computerized processing module 200 in each example provides highlyversatile and compact input/output means adaptable to graphical displayof any desired patterns, facilitating utilization of the standardizedmodule for different applications, and on the basis of the languages orgraphical symbols required for marketing of the unit in any desiredlocality worldwide.

The term "pocket size" as used herein refers to a device with overalldimensions so as to be carried in a shirt pocket. A shirt pocket is heretaken as having a size of about four inches wide by five inches high;thus a device of overall size to readily fit in a shirt pocket wouldhave a maximum cross sectional perimeter of about two shirt pocketwidths (2×4 inches) or about eight inches. A device with maximum heightof about five inches would fit inside a shirt pocket while a height ofabout seven inches might be carried safely in a shirt pocket.

EXAMPLE V

As Example V, any of the embodiments of the foregoing Examples mayutilize a digitizer screen, e.g., operating on a sonic principle with asound transmitter located in the stylus and two receivers located somedistance apart along each screen axis such that the differences in the xand y coordinates can be calculated. To digitize successive points, thestylus can be activated automatically to transmit sound pulses at timeintervals such that the set of position readings for each point isreadily segregated and processed, and desired resolution is obtained.

The digitizer screen may be part of a peripheral shell such as 260, FIG.10, e.g., fitting in a receiving recess 261 and retained by any suitablemeans, or the digitizer screen may be provided by membrane 202 itself,FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, and thus be part of a standardized computerizedprocessing module.

In each case, the digitizer screen preferably occupies substantially theentire area of a broad side of the shell module such as 260 or of thestandard processor module such as 200. The digitizer screen preferablyhas a size such as two inches by three inches when part of a processormodule, but may have a size of e.g. approaching four inches by sixinches for the case of a shirt pocket size shell module with astandardized processor module such as indicated at 300, FIG. 10.

EXAMPLE VI

This example may correspond with Example V but the digitizer may operateon an optical principle such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,764,813wherein a passive stylus may be utilized.

Again, the digitizer screen may be part of a peripheral shell devicesuch as 260, FIG. 10, or may be formed by membrane 202, FIG. 7, 8 and 9of a standardized computerized processing module. The dimensions of thedigitizer screen may be as in Example V.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 19 TO 23

FIGS. 19 to 23 show a signature pad module with dimensions of 2.870inches (length), 1.5000 inches (width) and 2.27 inches (height).Accordingly such a module may be adapted to fit in a pocket size shellconfiguration such as shown in FIG. 10, to form a self containedportable battery operated system. The following description isconsidered relevant in explaining further the significance of thegraphical input capability of the pocket size systems of FIGS. 7 through10, and particularly those of Examples III, IV, V and VI.

While hand-held data terminals have greatly increased the accuracy andefficiency of product distribution, there are situations where it isdesirable to allow the capture and recording of handwritten data ratherthan data that is entered by keystrokes. One such use would be toprovide for the recording of signatures and for verification of thesignatures recorded. In some applications, digitized pads are availableto permit the entry of handwritten data, usually in situations where thedata is entered by marking a predetermined location on a form thatoverlies the pad. However, to date there does not appear to be availableany means for combining a handwritten data entry module with a portabledata terminal in such a way that the handwritten data can be directlyentered or read and entered by a scanner.

In an illustrated embodiment, the module contains a digitized pad whichcan capture and enter the handwritten data immediately as it is enteredon the pad. The illustrated module is easily and quickly attached to ahand-held computer terminal by a hook-hinge arrangement, using theexisting connector on the computer terminal and a connector on themodule. In the embodiment of the module using a digitized pad, themodule and hand-held terminal provide an integrated system whileallowing normal hand-held portable operation with the module in place.

Referring first to FIG. 19 of the drawings, there is illustrated ahand-held data terminal or computer terminal 510 of a type suitable foruse with the signature pad module. A computer terminal such as the ModelNT141GL hand-held computer terminal of Norand Corporation, Cedar Rapids,Iowa, has the necessary power and flexibility for this application. Thecomputer terminal 510 has a keyboard 512 and a display 514. In additionto keyboard entry, data can be downloaded to the computer terminal 510from a host computer or entered from a peripheral device such as ascanner.

The module providing for the entry of handwritten data is indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 516 and is shown in more detail inFIGS. 20 through 23. The module 516 comprises a suitable case 518 thathouses a pad 520 for recording data in the manner described hereinafter.The case 518 has formed along the lower edge near the front a dependinghinge 522 having a lug 524 extending along its entire length. Also,along the bottom surface 525 of the module 516 near the rear wall 526 isa cable plug 528 that will engage a standard receptacle (not shown) thetop surface of the hand-held computer terminal 510. Plug 528 and thereceptacle provide a standard 15-pin connection between thesecomponents. Near the top surface 532 of module 516 there is provided asuitable 15-pin receptacle 534 that provides for connection of otherexternal devices. The receptacle 534 and plug 528 are suitablyinterconnected by means including ground cable 536 inside of the case518.

The hinge 522 with its locking lug 524 provides for easy, quick andremovable connection of the module 516 to the computer terminal 510. Byengaging the locking lug 524 under a corresponding shoulder at 538 inthe top surface of computer terminal 510 and rotating the module 516rearwardly until the plug 528 on the module 516 engages the receptacleon the computer terminal 510, the module 516 is quickly and solidlyaffixed to the computer terminal 510 and all necessary connections madebetween plug 528 and its mating receptacle. The force applied by a userto the module 516 in entering handwritten data on the pad 520 will biasthe module further into a locked position on the computer terminal 510.In order to remove the module 516 from the computer terminal 510, themodule 516 is grasped and rotated forwardly in the direction opposite tothe force that is applied during use. Thus, connection between themodule 516 and computer terminal 510 is a solid, positive connectionthat is quickly and easily made.

The pad 520 can be of any suitable type for recording handwritten data.If a suitable optical scanner (not shown) is to be used as a part of thesystem, the pad 520 can very simply be any suitable means in whichhandwritten data can be visibly recorded so that it can be scanned andentered into the system by the scanner. Suitable optical scanners areavailable for reading handwritten data of all types and processing theinformation read digitally and entering the digitized data into thecomputer terminal 510. A suitable optical scanner for this purpose isdescribed in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/238,701, filed Aug.31, 1988, by Steven E. Koenck, (Attorney Docket No. 6240), whichapplication has been assigned to Norand Corporation, the same assigneeof this application.

The pad 520 also may be a digitizer pad of a any suitable typecontaining resistive sheets forming a digitizer means 540 (FIG. 22)responsive to operating pressures in a suitable range normally appliedby a user using a ballpoint pen. The digitized pad 520 using resistivesheets at 540 preferably has sufficiently high resolution to provide anaccurate representation of handwritten data including signatures. Theresistive sheets at 540 are preferably covered with an abrasionresistant cover 542 of a suitable polyester material. When the userenters data onto pad 520 by supplying sufficient pressure with a writinginstrument to activate the resistive sheets at 540, the information isdigitized, compressed and stored and/or transmitted to the computerterminal 510. For example, if the module 516 is being used for signatureverification, a signature written on pad 520 can be immediately verifiedor stored for future verification.

From the foregoing description, it is evident that the data capturemodule provides the capability of capturing and recording handwrittendata of all types, which data can be entered either directly using adigitizing pad on the module, or the handwritten data can be enteredinto the data terminal by a suitable optical scanner for furtherprocessing. All types of handwritten data, including both text andgraphics, can be captured using the module in connection with a portablehand-held data terminal. One example that has been described is theverification of signatures, but any handwritten data can be entereddirectly or scanned into the terminal, the amount of data being limitedby the available memory. The module thus provides a vehicle forsignificant data entry means not presently available with hand-held typecomputer terminals.

The actual volume occupied by the signature pad 520 and the printedcircuit boards 562 and 570 is about 13/4 inch (wide) by 31/4 inch (long)by about 13/8 inch (deep). This is consistent with use with a pocketsize receiving module such as shown in FIG. 10.

The pad active area may be 2.375 inches by 0.875 inch by 0.055 inch. Thecovering 542 may be 0.007 inch polyester. The pad may utilize a siliconeelastomer pad sensor, and may provide a pad resolution of 175 points perinch giving a resolution of 415 points across and at least 150 points inheight.

Generally the signature pad may comprise upper and lower resistivesheets of silicone elastomer which have resistive ink applied to theconfronting faces so as to present uniform resistivity over thesurfaces. Application of point pressure to the cover sheet 542 causesthe resistive layers to contact at a corresponding point.

For tractor fed forms, alignment pegs 563, 564 on the bezel part 518Bare used to engage in the form feed holes to hold the form in positionduring the signature capture process. Should the sensor pad 520 bedamaged, the bezel part 518B including the sensor pad can be replacedwithout replacing the entire unit. This is accomplished by removingscrews 553, 554 and pivoting parts 518A, 518B away from each other. Theconnector 560 can then be unplugged from the input/output printedcircuit board 562. The ground cable 536 may be separable at 568.

Printed circuit board 570 may carry components such as a CPU chip (e.g.type 80C31), CMOS static RAM (e.g. 32K×8), and an EPROM component (e.g.type 27C256) as indicated at 571, FIG. 22.

The printed circuit boards 562 and 570 are 13/8 inch by 3 inch by lessthan 1/16 inch and are separated from each other by about one-half inch.Coupling between the digitizer pad 540 and the circuitry of board 562may be by means of two twin conductor ribbons such as that indicated at572, FIG. 22.

Referring to FIG. 21, it can be seen that case 518 is formed of a baseassembly 518A and a bezel assembly 518B. The base assembly includes anoutwardly facing hook plate 550 which interlocks with a receiving recessof the bezel assembly. The parts 518A, 518B are pivotal at the hookplate-recess into a snug interfitting relationship, with edge 551fitting into a receiving channel of part 518B. The parts are thensecured together by means of screws 553,554, FIG. 23. The channel mayhave a sealing strip seated therein, e.g. a 0.052 inch diameterelastomer 12.5 inches long.

Ribbon connectors 557, 558 from the 15-pin plug 528 and 15-pinreceptacle 534 are provided with internal 16 position receptacles 559,560 which connect with headers on the input/output printed circuit board562. When the pad is disabled, communications will pass betweenconnectors 528 and 534 unmodified.

By way of an alternate example, the resistive sheets may be of Mylar offive mils (0.005 inch) thickness. In any case, conductive x-axisconductive strips may extend along the long edges of the upper resistivelayer, and Y-axis conductive strips may extend along the short edges ofthe lower resistive layer, the pairs of conductive strips beingconnected with conductors of respective ribbons such as 572, FIG. 22.

Conveniently the outer sheet is somewhat longer in the length and widthdimensions so as to overlie a metal frame 573, FIG. 22, while the innersheet is seated in a recess within the confines of the frame 573. Theouter resistive sheet is then fastened at its margins to the frame sothat there is normally a clearance air space of approximately ten tothirty mils (one mil equals 0.001 inch) between the two resistivelayers. The confronting resistive surfaces may comprise graphite inkresistive surfaces as is well understood in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 24 AND 25

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate exemplary circuitry for the input/outputprinted circuit board 562. FIG. 24 shows the circuitry connected to theX and Y axis conductive strips of the signature pad 520. For reading anX-axis dimension from the signature pad, transistors 24-Q2, 24-Q5 and24-Q6 are turned on to apply a potential of five volts analog, (+5A),through transistor 24-Q2 to the Y+ conductor 2410 which leads to the Yaxis strip at one end of the inner resistive surface. The return pathfrom the other end of the inner resistive strip is via Y-conductor 2411and transistor 24-Q6, creating a potential distribution along the longX-axis dimension of the pad. The X-axis potential value at the pointcontacting the outer resistive sheet is coupled via conductors 2412 and2413 to the channel one input of analog to digital converter 24-U1 (e.g.type LTC1091).

Similarly, to read out a Y-axis value, transistors 24-Q3, 24-Q4 and24-Q1 are turned on, and the Y-axis potential at the contact point isread out via the inner resistive sheet and conductors 2410 and 2414leading to the channel zero input of the analog to digital converter24-U1.

In FIG. 25, line 2511 receives battery voltage MBATS from the terminal10. Line 2511 is coupled with pin 15 of connector 528, via position 15of receptacle 559, FIG. 21. The I/O printed circuit board 562 connectsposition 15 of the header receiving receptacle 559 with position 15 ofthe header for receptacle 560. Line 2511 connects with line 2416, FIG.24, and connects to the CPU printed circuit board 570 via matinginterboard connectors such as 573, 574, FIG. 3, a capacitor (not shown,0.01 microfarad, 50 volts), being connected between MBATS and ground inparallel with 25-TZ1.

Applying EXT EN to conductor 2512 serves to transmit a reset signal tothe processor of board 570 via 25-Q7, 25-Q10, 25-Q9 and 2513 (RESET).

The signals associated with the various positions of connectors 528 and534 are as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        Connector 528     Connector 534                                               ______________________________________                                        J1     1      TXD         J2   1    TXD Out                                   J1     2      DTR         J2   2    DTR                                       J1     3      RTS         J2   3    RTS                                       J1     4      RCT         J2   4    RCT                                       J1     5      RXD         J2   5    RXD IN                                    J1     6      CTS         J2   6    CTS                                       J1     7      DSR         J2   7    DSR                                       J1     8      CHG In      J2   8    CHG In                                    J1     9      GND         J2   9    GND                                       J1    10      XOVER/TXL   J2  10    XOVER/TXL                                 J1    11      ------PROX/RXC                                                                            J2  11    ------PROX/RXC                            J1    12      SCAN/PWR    J2  12    SCAN/PWR                                  J1    13      EXT EN      J2  13    N.U.                                      J1    14      RCR/CD      J2  14    RCR/CD                                    J1    15      MBATS       J2  15    MBATS                                     J1    16      N.U.        J2  16    N.U.                                      ______________________________________                                    

The symbols J1 and J2 actually refer to the headers on I/O board 562receiving connectors 559 and 560, respectively. Thus position 16 is notused. Position 13 of J1 connects with line 2512, position 1 connectswith line 2520 and position 5 connects with line 2521. Line 2522connects with position 5 of J2, and line 2523 connects with position 1of J2. The printed circuit board provides direct connections betweenpositions of J1 and J2 designated DTR, RTS, RCT, CTS, DSR, RCR/CD, RCT,CHG IN, XOVER/TXL, and PROX/RSC, MBATS and GND.

The transistor 25-Q6 controls supply of power to the pad regulator25-REG1.

The interboard connectors on board 562 such as 573, FIG. 21, aredesignated J3 and J4 carry the following signals.

    ______________________________________                                        J3    1         N.U.       J4  1      ------ADCS                              J3    2         DI/O       J4  2      RDX4                                    J3    3         ADCLK      J4  3      TXD3                                    J3    4         JY-        J4  4      RESET                                   J3    5         JY+        J4  5      GND                                     J3    6         JX-        J4  6      +5V                                     J3    7         JX+        J4  7      MBATS                                   ______________________________________                                    

DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 26, 27, 28 AND 29

FIGS. 26-29 show exemplary circuitry for the CPU board 570. Theinterboard connectors on board 570 such as connector 574 are designatedP3 and P4 and connect with the CPU, 26-U5, of board 570 as indicated inthe following table:

    ______________________________________                                        CPU (Type 80C31)                                                                                       CPU Pin                                                               Pin     Designation                                          ______________________________________                                        P3     1        N.U.                                                          P3     2        DI/9       9       P 1.7                                      P3     3        ADCLK      6       P 1.4                                      P3     4        JY-        5       P 1.3                                      P3     5        JY+        4       P 1.2                                      P3     6        JX-        3       P 1.1                                      P3     7        JX+        2       P 1.0                                      P4     1        ------ADCS 8       P 1.6                                      P4     3        TXD3       11      RXD                                        P4     4        RESET      10      RST                                        P4     5        GND        22, 35  VSS, EA                                    PR     6        +5V        44      VCC                                        ______________________________________                                    

Pin 13 (TXD) of CPU 26-U5 connects via line 2610 (RXD3) with the circuitof FIG. 27, which in turn drives line 2611 (RXD4). MBATS line 2612 alsoconnects with FIG. 27. Line 2614 connects with the circuit of FIG. 28.Pins of CPU 26-U5 designated AD7-AD0, respectively connect with data bus2910, FIG. 29. The pin of 26-U5 designated ALE connects with latch 29-U2and EPROM 29-U3 via line 2620. Pin 32 of (PSEN) connects via line 2621with 29-U3. Address bus 2630 from pins designated A8-A15 of 26-U5connects with components 29-U3 and 29-U4 (a CMOS static random accessmemory, e.g., 128K×8).

Pin RD of CPU 26-U5 connects via line 2631, pin RAMEN connects via line2632; and pin WR connects via line 2633, with 29-U4.

Although the invention has been described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments thereof, it will be evident to those skilled inthe art that various revisions and modifications may be made. Also theillustrated embodiments can be adapted to applications differing fromthose described by way of example herein without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. It is our intention that all suchrevisions and modifications be included within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

EXAMPLE VII

As an example pursuant to FIG. 10 and FIGS. 19-29, a signature pad mayhave the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 for interfitting inreceptacle 261, FIG. 10, as described in Example I for module 200. Theprinted circuit boards 562 and 570 could be consolidated into a singleprinted circuit board underlying the signature pad and having comparabledimensions, e.g. about two inches by three inches. The inputs andoutputs from the consolidated circuit board could comprise MBATS, GND,EXT EN, and the communication lines for two-way alternate point-to-pointcommunication. These inputs and outputs could couple with module 200 ata region such as 280 using mating surface contacts as previouslydescribed with reference to FIG. 10.

Battery power could be available in the receiving module 260 at 282, andprotocol conversion and other functions of the terminal could beperformed by a modular processor at 300. A touch screen corresponding to202 could be included at the three margins of the signature pad at thetop surfaces of module 260, FIG. 10.

By way of example, signatures as digitized by means of the signature padmodule could be transferred under the control of the processor module at300 to a data storage card inserted in slot 262. Alignment pegs such as563, 564, FIG. 20, could form part of the signature pad module, suchthat a touch screen overlying battery compartment 282 would beaccessible to activate the signature pad module by transmitting EXT ENto the pad module in response to actuation of a region of the touchscreen in signature capture mode.

Such touch screen would then signal when a signature had been properlydigitized and stored. The touch screen associated with module 260 canaccommodate the entire data capture command set.

EXAMPLE VIII (FIGS. 30 and 31)

In Example VIII, the circuitry of FIGS. 24-29 may be part of acomputerized processing module 3000, FIG. 30, generally as describedwith respect to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. A receiving module 3010 (correspondingto module 260 of FIG. 10) may receive the module 3000 and may havecoupling means such as 280, FIG. 10, for engagement with cooperatingconnection means 3001 of module 3000.

In this Example VIII, the receiving module 3010 may perform thefunctions of data entry terminal 510, FIG. 19, and in common with FIG.10, may provide battery means 3002 (as at 282, FIG. 10) capable ofproviding for battery operation of the circuitry of FIGS. 24-29. Inparticular, receiving module 3010 would have coupling means(corresponding to 280, FIG. 10) for automatically engaging with theconnection means 3001 as module 3000 is inserted into a receptacle 3011of module 3010. The coupling means and connection means 3001 could alsoprovide automatically completed signal communication paths such asprovided by the terminal connector automatically mating with connector528, FIG. 23, during assembly of parts 510 and 516, FIG. 19. The module3010 may have ledges such as 3012 for overlying the side edges of themodule 3000, and may include segmental spherical detents such as 3014which are spring urged into receptacle 3011 to retain the module 3000therein. A notch 3015 may facilitate removal of the complete module 3000as a unit from the receptacle 3011.

The module 3010 may have a touch screen 3020 such as described withreference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9. One of the touch switch positions may be"Signature Input Mode" as indicated at 3021. When this mode is selectedby manually depressing region 3021, a graphic display is produced onmodule 3000 as indicated in FIG. 30 which facilitates the handwrittenentry of a signature e.g. in a space indicated by a box displayed at3022 with a signature line at 3023, and a "start" box indicated by adash line 3024.

As described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, module 3000 may includea digitizer input screen 3025 over substantially its entire length andwidth as viewed in FIG. 30, and a graphic display e.g. of the dot matrixtype may underlie the digitizer screen and have a resolution sufficientto accurately display handwritten data such as signatures and the like,as well as indicia such as 3022, 3023, and 3024. (See the displays at230 and 450, FIG. 9 as further examples).

Where the signature is to be entered directly on the digitizer screen3025, a wooden stylus is conveniently used. In this event, the displaymeans of module 3000 may display the mode at 3028 and suitableinstructions at 3029.

Where a form with feed holes is to be engaged with pegs 3030, 3031 onmodule 3010, the form may have printed thereon indicia such as 3022,3023, 3024, "start", and 3029. In this case, a conventional ball pointpen may be used to enter the signature on the form, and to apply acorresponding impression to the digitizer input screen 3025 of FIG. 30.

By way of example, the computerized processing module 3000, or a datastorage card such as indicated at 3040 (inserted into a slot such as262, FIG. 10) may store the authorized signatures of persons empoweredto approve a given transaction. Thus, a person delivering goods tovarious establishments may download authorized signatures for a givendelivery into the module 3000 just prior to making the delivery, or mayselect a respective data storage card 3040 from a file thereof.

After the signature impression such as 3041 has been entered in space3022 of the digitizer input screen, the processor of module 3000 or aprocessor 3042 of module 3010 (e.g. as at 300, FIG. 10) may carry out acomparison of the signature impression 3041 with the stored authorizedsignatures. If there is a sufficient match with an authorized signaturethe graphical display may indicate that the signature was a validauthorized signature as at 3044, FIG. 31. The matching authorizedsignature of record may be displayed in space 3045, FIG. 31, or the namerepresented by the signature may be simply printed in space 3045. Atransaction number may be assigned as indicated at 3046. Further, thesignature 3047 corresponding to impression 3041, as stored by module3000, module 3010 or storage card 3040 may be displayed at a region 3049adjacent region 3045 so that the operator can confirm the matchingcondition, or actually make the decision as to whether the signature isto be accepted. Of course, the signature as entered may be stored infully digitized form or in a suitably compacted form in module 3000,module 3010 or storage card 3040.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE IX

Example VIII could be applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 19-29 as afurther example, in which case the resistive type digitizer screen 520could be used for the direct entry of a signature e.g. using a passivewooden stylus, and display 514 could provide a resultant display such asindicated in FIG. 31, and could display indicia such as 3028 and 3029,prior to entry of the signature impression 3041. The signaturecomparison program, and the set of authorized signatures could then bedownloaded into the data terminal 510, e.g. via connectors 534 and 528from a data storage system within a delivery vehicle or the like.Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,919 which teaches using thesensing of pressure applied across the signature as a further parameterfor use in signature verification.

SUMMARY RE EXAMPLES VIII AND IX

In examples VIII and IX, computerized processing module 3000 providesfor the computerized processing and storage of data as described indetail in reference to FIGS. 19-29. The stored data e.g. completedigitized information concerning a signature impression 304 1 may betransmitted from random access storage such as indicated at 29-U4 viaconnection means 3001 to an external receiving module such as 3010 or510, FIG. 19. The computerized processing module 3000 could be of sizeto fit in a shirt pocket as with module 516, FIG. 19, e.g. a crosssectional perimeter of not more than about eight inches and a lengthdimension of not more than about five inches.

The connection means 3001 of module 3000 automatically engages with thecoupling means in receptacle 3011 (analogous to coupling means 280, FIG.10), as the module 3000 is inserted over detents 3014 and under ledges3012 to assemble the module 3000 with the receiving module 3010.Correspondingly, the connection means 3001 is automatically disengagedfrom the coupling means as the module 3000 is removed as a unit fromreceptacle 3011 (e.g. with the use of one finger inserted into notch3015).

The digitizer input screen 3025 is transparent so that the matrix typedisplay there beneath is visible to the user through the digitizerscreen. Any of the digitizer technologies currently available such asthose referred to herein may be utilized. Both the digitizer input andthe graphical display of module 3000 have a resolution to accuratelyrecord and display handwritten characters such as represented bysignatures 3041, 3045 and 3047. The data such as signatures stored inmodule 3000 in complete digitized form or in compacted form may betransmitted to the coupling means of receiving module 3010 forutilization externally of module 3000. For example, receiving module3010 may have a programmed processor at 3042 for comparing a signatureimpression data relating to a signature impression 3041 with a set ofauthorized signatures stored on a data storage card 3040.

The display of module 3000 may display indicia such as 3022, 3023, and3024 for facilitating input of a signature impression such as 3041directly on the digitizer input screen 3025, or a form may be locatede.g. by pegs 3030, 3031 and itself have indicia printed thereon. InExample IX, a conventional display screen at 514, FIG. 19, of areceiving module 510, may display instructions adjacent a digitizerscreen at 520, and may provide a display such as indicated in FIG. 31,once a signature impression at 520 has been compared with a set ofauthorized signatures stored by the receiving module 510, FIG. 19.

It will be apparent that many further modifications and variations maybe effected without departing from the teachings and concepts of thepresent disclosure.

We claim as our invention:
 1. A hand-held data processing system,comprising:a self-contained computerized processing module forcomputerized processing of data; said processing module having agraphical display with a display screen occupying substantially anentire broad side of the processing module; means for displayinginformation over substantially the entire surface of the display screen;said self-contained computerized processing module having a size so asto be readily contained in a shirt pocket; and said processing modulefurther including optical reader means for effecting the input ofoptical information.
 2. The hand-held data processing system accordingto claim 1, wherein said graphical display means is operably coupledwith said optical reader means, whereby information read by said opticalreader means is displayed.
 3. The hand-held data processing systemaccording to claim 1, further including means for registering the pathof movement of a stylus over the surface of the display screen toreceive a manually generated path information.
 4. The hand-held datacapture system, comprising:multipurpose computerized processing modulemeans for computerized processing of data; shell module means havingauxiliary means for executing an auxiliary function, having batterymeans supplying power thereto, and having a receptacle for receivingsaid computerized processing module means so that the computerizedprocessing module means is substantially contained within said shellmodule means during hand-held operation; coupling means for providingcommunication between said shell module means and a computerizedprocessing module means in said receptacle; said shell module means withsaid computerized processing module means assembled in its receptaclehaving an overall size so as to be readily contained in a shirt pocket;said computerized processing module means includes battery means forsupplying power thereto and said computerized processing module fittinginto the receptacle together with said battery means for removal as aunit therewith; said coupling means providing a quick-connect,quick-disconnect coupling readily accommodating bodily removal of thecomputerized processing module means and the battery means as a unitfrom the receptacle of the shell module means; and said shell modulemeans including means accommodating insertion of a smart card thereinfor coupling with the computerized processing module means.
 5. Thehand-held data capture system according to claim 4, wherein saidcomputerized processing module means includes means operable forcarrying out an optical reading function while entirely separate fromsaid shell module means, and also for carrying out an optical readingfunction while substantially contained within said shell module means.6. The hand-held data capture system according to claim 4, wherein saidcomputerized processing module means includes touch screen display meansoperable for presenting a graphical display and for receiving andstoring manual input data while entirely separate from said shell modulemeans.
 7. The hand-held data capture system according to claim 4,wherein said computerized processing module means includes input screenmeans for registering the path of movement of a stylus thereon so as toreceive manually entered path information while entirely separate fromsaid shell module means.
 8. The hand-held data capture system accordingto claim 4, wherein said computerized processing module means togetherwith said peripheral shell module means selectively provides a touchscreen display and a stylus path responsive digitizing input at a commondisplay region.
 9. The hand-held data capture system according to claim4, further including automatic reading data capture means for theautomatic reading of data into the system.
 10. The hand-held datacapture system according to claim 9 wherein said automatic reading datacapture means comprise an automatic optical reader including a lightsource means for illuminating a complete line of data.
 11. The hand-helddata capture system according to claim 9, wherein said automatic readingdata capture means comprises automatic path input means forautomatically registering hand-entered path configurations.
 12. Thehand-held data capture system according to claim 11, wherein saidautomatic path input means comprises digitizing means responsive tostylus generated handwriting configurations.
 13. A hand-held datacapture system, comprising:multipurpose computerized processing modulemeans for computerized processing of data; shell module means havingauxiliary means for executing an auxiliary function, having batterymeans supplying power thereto, and having a receptacle for receivingsaid computerized processing module means so that the computerizedprocessing module means is substantially contained within said shellmodule means during hand-held operation; coupling means for providingcommunication between said shell module means and a computerizedprocessing module means in said receptacle; said shell module means withsaid computerized processing module means assembled in its receptaclehaving an overall size so as to be readily contained in a shirt pocket;said computerized processing module means includes battery means forsupplying power thereto and said computerized processing module fittinginto the receptacle together with said battery means for removal as aunit therewith; said coupling means providing a quick-connect,quick-disconnect coupling readily accommodating bodily removal of thecomputerized processing module means and the battery means as a unitfrom the receptacle of the shell module means; automatic reading datacapture means for the automatic reading of data into the system; andsaid computerized processing module means including means operable forcarrying out an optical reading function while entirely separate fromsaid shell module means, and also for carrying out an optical readingfunction while substantially contained within said shell module means.14. A hand-held data capture system, comprising:multipurposecomputerized processing module means for computerized processing ofdata; shell module means having auxiliary means for executing anauxiliary function, having battery means supplying power thereto, andhaving a receptacle for receiving said computerized processing modulemeans so that the computerized processing module means is substantiallycontained within said shell module means during hand-held operation;coupling means for providing communication between said shell modulemeans and a computerized processing module means in said receptacle;said shell module means with said computerized processing module meansassembled in its receptacle having an overall size so as to be readilycontained in a shirt pocket; said computerized processing module meansincludes battery means for supplying power thereto and said computerizedprocessing module fitting into the receptacle together with said batterymeans for removal as a unit therewith; said coupling means providing aquick-connect, quick-disconnect coupling readily accommodating bodilyremoval of the computerized processing module means and the batterymeans as a unit from the receptacle of the shell module means; automaticreading data capture means for the automatic reading of data into thesystem; and said computerized processing module means including touchscreen display means operable for presenting a graphical display and forreceiving and storing manual input data while entirely separate fromsaid shell module means.
 15. A hand-held data capture system,comprising:multipurpose computerized processing module means forcomputerized processing of data; shell module means having auxiliarymeans for executing an auxiliary function, having battery meanssupplying power thereto, and having a receptacle for receiving saidcomputerized processing module means so that the computerized processingmodule means is substantially contained within said shell module meansduring hand-held operation; coupling means for providing communicationbetween said shell module means and a computerized processing modulemeans in said receptacle; said shell module means with said computerizedprocessing module means assembled in its receptacle having an overallsize so as to be readily contained in a shirt pocket; said computerizedprocessing module means includes battery means for supplying powerthereto and said computerized processing module fitting into thereceptacle together with said battery means for removal as a unittherewith; said coupling means providing a quick-connect,quick-disconnect coupling readily accommodating bodily removal of thecomputerized processing module means and the battery means as a unitfrom the receptacle of the shell module means; automatic reading datacapture means for the automatic reading of data into the system; andsaid computerized processing module means including input screen meansfor registering the path of movement of a stylus thereon so as toreceive manually entered path information while entirely separate fromsaid shell module means.
 16. In a hand-held data capture system,(a)computerized processing module means for computerized processing ofdata; (b) shell module means having auxiliary means for executing anauxiliary function, having battery means supplying power thereto, andhaving a receptacle for receiving said computerized processing means sothat the computerized processing module means is substantially containedwithin said shell module means during hand-held operation; (c) couplingmeans providing communication between said shell module means and acomputerized processing module means in said receptacle; (d) said shellmodule means with said computerized processing module means assembled inits receptacle having an overall size so as to be readily contained in ashirt pocket; (e) said computerized processing module means havingbattery means supplying power thereto and said computerized processingmodule means fitting into the receptacle together with said batterymeans for removal as a unit therewith; (f) said coupling means providinga quick-connect, quick-disconnect coupling readily accommodating bodilyremoval of the computerized processing module means and the batterymeans as a unit from the receptacle of the shell module means; (g) saidsystem comprising automatic reading data capture means for the automaticreading of data into the system; and (h) said computerized processingmodule means having means operable for carrying out an optical readingfunction while entirely separate from said shell module means, and alsofor carrying out an optical reading function while substantiallycontained within said shell module means.
 17. The hand-held data capturesystem according to claim 16 wherein said automatic reading data capturemeans comprises an automatic optical reader including a light sourcemeans for illuminating a complete line of data.
 18. In a hand-held datacapture system according to claim 16, said automatic reading datacapture means comprising automatic path input means for automaticallyregistering hand-entered path configurations.
 19. In a hand-held datacapture system according to claim 16, said automatic path input meanscomprising digitizing means responsive to stylus generated handwritingconfigurations.
 20. In a hand-held data capture system,(a) multipurposecomputerized processing module means for computerized processing ofdata; (b) shell module means having auxiliary means for executing anauxiliary function, having battery means supplying power thereto, andhaving a receptacle for receiving said computerized processing means sothat the computerized processing module means is substantially containedwithin said shell module means during hand-held operation; (c) couplingmeans providing communication between said shell module means and acomputerized processing module means in said receptacle; (d) said shellmodule means with said computerized processing module means assembled inits receptacle having an overall size so as to be readily contained in ashirt pocket; (e) said computerized processing module means havingbattery means supplying power thereto and said computerized processingmodule means fitting into the receptacle together with said batterymeans for removal as a unit therewith; (f) said coupling means providinga quick-connect, quick-disconnect coupling readily accommodating bodilyremoval of the computerized processing module means and the batterymeans as a unit from the receptacle of the shell module means; (g) saidsystem comprising automatic reading data capture means for the automaticreading of data into the system; and (h) said computerized processingmodule means having touch screen display means operable for presenting agraphical display and for receiving and storing manual input data whileentirely separate from said shell module means.
 21. In a hand-held datacapture system,(a) computerized processing module means for computerizedprocessing of data; (b) shell module means having auxiliary means forexecuting an auxiliary function, having battery means supplying powerthereto, and having a receptacle for receiving said computerizedprocessing means so that the computerized processing module means issubstantially contained within said shell module means during hand-heldoperation; (c) coupling means providing communication between said shellmodule means and a computerized processing module means in saidreceptacle; (d) said shell module means with said computerizedprocessing module means assembled in its receptacle having an overallsize so as to be readily contained in a shirt pocket; (e) saidcomputerized processing module means having battery means supplyingpower thereto and said computerized processing module means fitting intothe receptacle together with said battery means for removal as a unittherewith; (f) said coupling means providing a quick-connect,quick-disconnect coupling readily accommodating bodily removal of thecomputerized processing module means and the battery means as a unitfrom the receptacle of the shell module means; (g) said systemcomprising automatic reading data capture means for the automaticreading of data into the system; and (h) said computerized processingmodule means having input screen means for registering the path ofmovement of a stylus thereon so as to receiving manually entered pathinformation while entirely separate from said shell module means.
 22. Ina hand-held data capture system,(a) computerized processing module meansfor computerized processing of data, (b) shell module means havingauxiliary means for executing an auxiliary function, having batterymeans supplying power thereto, and having a receptacle for receivingsaid computerized processing means so that the computerized processingmodule means is substantially contained within said shell module meansduring hand-held operation, and (c) coupling means providingcommunication between said shell module means and a computerizedprocessing module means in said receptacle, (d) said shell module meanswith said computerized processing module means assembled in itsreceptacle having an overall size so as to be readily contained in ashirt pocket, (e) said computerized processing module means having inputscreen means for registering the path of movement of a stylus thereon soas to receiving manually entered path information while entirelyseparate from said shell module means.